Effect of Gel-spun Solution Concentration on the Structure and Properties of UHMWPE Monofilaments with Coarse Denier

Even though many efforts about the preparation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers have been reported since last century, the spinning technology of high solution concentration UHMWPE fibers was still pursued by many researchers and industry members. Not only because solution concentration is a key factor that significantly influences the structure and properties of gel-spun UHMWPE fibers, but also because the high concentration UHMWPE spinning technology could greatly improve the production efficiency and reduce the spinning cost. In this study, high abrasion resistance UHMWPE fibers were prepared via gel-spinning with UHMWPE solution concentration of 8–16 wt%, subsequently extracting, drying and ultra-drawing. The effects of solution concentration on the fiber solvent phase separation, crystallization properties, abrasion resistance properties and mechanical capacities were investigated in detail. The results indicated that increasing solution concentration can reduce the time to reach phase separation equilibrium state that could efficiently shorten the productive time; meanwhile, the abrasion resistance of the fibers was also significantly improved.